Origin and Common Names
Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray var. bellii Lawson, commonly known as Bell's Alpine Woodsia, is a species of fern that belongs to the Woodsia genus. This plant is native to the high-altitude regions of western North America, ranging from Alaska to New Mexico. The common name "Alpine Woodsia" refers to its preference for growing in rocky mountain habitats, while the name "Bell's" is in honor of American botanist Charles Alfred Bell.
General Appearance
Bell's Alpine Woodsia is a small, clumping fern that grows up to 20 cm in height. Its fronds are evergreen, meaning they stay green all year round, and arranged in a small, tight rosette. The fronds are 5-25 cm long and 1-2.5 cm wide, with a lance-shaped blade that is divided twice pinnately into small, symmetrical leaflets. The leaflets have lobed edges and are slightly curled under, giving the fern a delicate, feathery appearance.
The plant's rhizome is small, creeping, and densely covered with brown scales. The scales can be an identifying feature of Bell's Alpine Woodsia, appearing somewhat hairy in some varieties.
Uses
Bell's Alpine Woodsia does not have any significant medicinal or culinary uses, but it is commonly used in landscaping and horticulture. It is popular among gardeners due to its attractive and delicate appearance and its ability to tolerate full sun and dry soils. Bell's Alpine Woodsia is often used in rock gardens, terrariums, and as a groundcover.
Despite its widespread use in landscaping, Bell's Alpine Woodsia is considered a threatened species in some regions of North America due to habitat loss and climate change.
Light Requirements
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson prefers moderate to high levels of light. In its natural habitat, it grows in open areas with some shade, such as rocky slopes, talus fields, and meadows. Therefore, it can tolerate some shade but cannot survive under dense shade or low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson is adapted to cool and moist environments. It typically grows in subalpine and alpine zones with cool temperatures and short growing seasons. The optimal temperature range for its growth is around 10-20°C. It can withstand occasional frosts and snow, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold can damage its fronds.
Soil Requirements
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson prefers well-drained, moist, and acidic soils. It often grows in rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils with a pH range of 4.5-6.5. The soil texture is not critical, but it should have good water-holding capacity to prevent desiccation during dry periods. Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, as this plant has moderate to high nutrient requirements.
Cultivation
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson is a small, hardy fern that thrives in rocky crevices, gravel, and coarse soil in alpine and subalpine regions. It is native to western North America, where it grows in mountainous areas from Alaska to California and east to Montana and Colorado. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its natural environment as much as possible to ensure its success.
Plant Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson in a well-draining, sandy or rocky soil mixture that closely resembles its native habitat. Ensure that the soil is not too nutrient-rich or compacted, as this can harm the plant's growth. Find a location in your garden that receives partial shade or dappled sunlight, as direct sun can scorch the delicate fronds.
Watering Needs
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Water the plant regularly but sparingly, allowing the soil to almost dry out before watering again. Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal growth and damage the fronds. Instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson does not require heavy fertilization, as it grows in poor, nutrient-poor soil in the wild. However, you can feed it lightly in the spring or summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Over-fertilization can lead to an excess of nutrients that can harm the plant's growth, so it is best to err on the side of caution.
Pruning
Woodsia alpina var. bellii Lawson does not require much pruning, as it is a slow-growing fern that maintains its compact form naturally. However, you can remove any dead or damaged fronds as needed to improve the plant's appearance. Take care not to prune too heavily, as this can harm the plant and stunt its growth.
Propagation methods of Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray var. bellii Lawson
Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray var. bellii Lawson, commonly known as Bell's alpine woodsia, can be propagated through various means including spores, division, and tissue culture.
Propagation by spores
Sporulation in Bell's alpine woodsia occurs between June and October. Spores are collected by cutting fronds with sporangia when they turn brown and dry. These spores can be sown in spring or summer, either outdoors or indoors, in a suitable sterile medium. The spores germinate in 4-6 weeks, and the resulting prothalli can be transferred to a light mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite. After several months, the young plantlets can be potted into individual containers.
Propagation by division
Bell's alpine woodsia can also be propagated by division during early spring or late fall. The parent plant is carefully uprooted and divided using sharp tools or hands. Each division should have a healthy rhizome and several fronds. The new divisions can be planted in well-draining soil, watered adequately, and placed in a partially shaded area until they are established.
Propagation by tissue culture
Tissue culture is a modern, efficient way to propagate Bell's alpine woodsia from small, sterile plant parts. The growth regulators and nutrient media can be adjusted to maximize the production of plantlets. The tissue culture process involves the preparation of explants, surface sterilization, and growing the tissue in sterile culture vessels. The plantlets obtained from tissue culture must be hardened off gradually before planting in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray var. bellii Lawson
Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray var. bellii Lawson is a small fern found in moist and rocky habitats. While it is considered relatively disease-resistant, it can still fall prey to some diseases and pests. Here are some common problems that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One disease that could impact Woodsia alpina var. bellii is rust fungus. This disease can cause orange, yellow, or brown raised spots on the plant's leaves, leading to their premature death. The fungus spreads through wind and water and can cause serious problems if not managed. One way to control rust is to remove infected leaves as soon as possible, and treat the remaining foliage with a fungicide.
Another potential disease for Woodsia alpina var. bellii is anthracnose. This disease is caused by a fungus that infects the leaves and stems, causing brown spots and cankers. To treat anthracnose, prune infected areas and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Woodsia alpina var. bellii may also attract some pests that can damage the plant. One of these pests is the spider mite, a tiny arachnid that feeds on the plant's sap, causing damage to the leaves. Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can notice their presence by the fine webs they produce. To control spider mites, use a miticide, and keep the humidity levels high as they prefer dry environments.
Another pest that can damage Woodsia alpina var. bellii is the snail or slug. These mollusks feed on the plant's foliage, leaving slime trails and holes in their wake. To prevent snails and slugs from feeding on the plant, you can handpick them and dispose of them far away from the plant, or use baits or slug repellents around the plant's base.
By taking the above measures, you can ensure that your Woodsia alpina var. bellii plant remains healthy and robust. Regular inspection and quick action will help prevent any significant damage to the plant and keep these pests and diseases under control.
